The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Launches with Surprise Release, Available Now on Multiple Platforms

Bethesda has officially released The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, bringing the beloved classic RPG back with enhanced visuals, improved mechanics, and all previously released DLC content. 

The game is now available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, with immediate access for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

The remastered version of this iconic RPG comes nearly two decades after the original game's release in 2006. Fans of the series can now revisit the land of Cyrodiil with significantly upgraded graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, while maintaining all the elements that made the original a Game of the Year winner.

Availability and Pricing Options

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is available in two different editions across multiple platforms. The Standard Edition costs $49.99, while the Deluxe Edition is priced at $59.99. 

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have particular reason to celebrate, as the game is included with their subscription at no additional cost. 

The remaster is also an Xbox Play Anywhere title, which means purchasing it once through the Microsoft Store allows you to play on both Xbox and Windows PC with shared cloud saves.

Included Content and DLC

One of the most appealing aspects of the Oblivion Remastered package is the inclusion of all previously released DLC content from the original game. The base game includes:

• The Shivering Isles expansion

• Knights of the Nine expansion

• Fighter's Stronghold DLC

• Various smaller content packs from the original release

The Deluxe Edition, priced $10 higher than the Standard Edition, includes additional content such as:

• Special quests for Akatosh

• Mehrunes Armor

• Additional weapon sets

• Horse Armor sets

• A digital artbook

• A soundtrack app

Many fans have noted the irony of Horse Armor being included as premium content in the Deluxe Edition, as the original Horse Armor DLC for Oblivion in 2006 was one of the first controversial examples of microtransactions in gaming history.

System Requirements and Hardware Compatibility

According to the official specifications released by Bethesda, the game has relatively manageable system requirements compared to other recent AAA titles. However, one notable requirement is storage space—players will need 125GB of available space to install the game.

Minimum Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K

• Memory: 16GB RAM

• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti

• DirectX: Version 12

• Storage: 125GB available space

Recommended Specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Intel Core i5-10600K

• Memory: 32GB RAM

• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6800XT or NVIDIA RTX 2080

• DirectX: Version 12

• Storage: 125GB available space

Handheld Gaming Compatibility

Good news for handheld gaming enthusiasts—The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is fully Steam Deck Verified. This certification means the game has been tested and confirmed to run well on Valve's portable gaming device, with proper controller support and legible text.

This verification also suggests the game should perform adequately on other Windows-powered gaming handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally, Legion Go, and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

What about Switch 2? According to Nintendo leaker eXtas1s, "Oblivion Remastered will be available on Nintendo Switch 2," and he confirmed that "active development is in progress." However, the leaker did not disclose an official release date for the Switch version.

Development

The remaster was developed by Virtuos under Bethesda Game Studios' supervision. Rather than completely rebuilding the game from scratch, the developers have layered Unreal Engine 5 visuals on top of the original Gamebryo engine. This approach allows the game to maintain its authentic gameplay feel while significantly enhancing the visual experience.

No Official Mod Support

Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered does not feature official mod support. According to their support page, there are no official modding tools or Creation Club support available for this remaster.

The switch to Unreal Engine 5 from the original Gamebryo engine makes modding significantly more challenging for the community. Unfortunately, existing mods from the original Oblivion are not directly compatible with the remastered version due to these fundamental engine differences.

Will Oblivion Remastered Get a Physical Release?

Currently, Bethesda has launched Oblivion Remastered as a digital-only title.

If you're hoping to play Oblivion Remastered with a disc in your PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, you're out of luck—Bethesda hasn't given any indication that a physical release is in the works. Throughout the presentation, the company discussed numerous aspects of the project, from the technical improvements to the included content, but made no reference to physical media.

PS5 Pro Enhanced

The PlayStation Store has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is officially "PS5 Pro Enhanced," meaning the game will take advantage of the more powerful PlayStation 5 Pro hardware.

Generally, PS5 Pro Enhanced titles can be played at 60fps or even up to 120fps, with 4K output and advanced ray tracing features.

Platform Exclusivity

Unlike the original game, which was released on PC and Xbox 360 in 2006 and later on PlayStation 3 in 2007, the remastered version is only available on current-generation platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Mac users will be disappointed to learn that there is no macOS version planned for release.

Game Setting and Background

For those unfamiliar with the original game, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is the fourth mainline entry in Bethesda's beloved RPG series. The game takes place in Cyrodiil, the central province of the continent of Tamriel and homeland of the Imperial race.

The story revolves around a massive Daedric invasion, with portals to the hellish realm of Oblivion opening throughout the land. Players must help find the heir to the throne and close these gates to prevent the destruction of the world. The events of Oblivion are set approximately 200 years before those of the massively successful sequel, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.

Below is the story trailer:

Future of The Elder Scrolls Series

While fans are celebrating the return to Cyrodiil, Bethesda has also confirmed that The Elder Scrolls VI is "well in the works," with more information promised soon. This news will be welcome to fans who have been waiting for the next mainline entry since Skyrim's release in 2011, and after the initial announcement at E3 in 2018.

Player Reception and Expectations

Early reception to the remaster appears positive, with fans particularly appreciating the inclusion of all major DLC content in the base edition. The visual upgrade seems substantial based on the released trailer and screenshots, bringing the beloved world of Cyrodiil up to modern standards without compromising the unique charm and atmosphere of the original game.

The game's surprise release strategy has also generated significant buzz in the gaming community, creating immediate interest and discussion online. For long-time fans of the series, this remaster offers a chance to revisit a beloved classic with modern conveniences, while newer players who may have only experienced Skyrim now have an opportunity to experience an important chapter in The Elder Scrolls saga.